Why is the STALKER 2 file size so big?
STALKER 2 is still a few months away from its actual release window, but fans have been preparing for it ever since the game popped up at E3 2021. However, there are mixed feelings as the game comes closer, in particular, because of how massive the file size is. According to the game’s official website, STALKER 2 will require 150GB in storage space. But, it appears that this isn’t entirely true. The updated Xbox page for STALKER 2 reveals that the game will need at least 180GB of storage to install and play. This would put it right up there as among the largest video games ever in terms of file size, with Call of Duty: Warzone (with other Call of Duty games installed) and ARK: Survival Evolved (with all expansions added) the only ones bigger. Keep in mind that the Xbox Series X only has a 1TB SSD and the Xbox Series S only has half the storage space at 512GB. If Xbox Series S owners bought and installed STALKER 2, this means that they’ll have to give up nearly half of their available storage space just to play STALKER 2. The silver lining here is that STALKER 2 isn’t out just yet. With nearly half a year left to work on it, GSC Game World could find a way to reduce the game’s file size. Then again, the opposite also holds. As GSC Game World adds more content to STALKER 2, the title could balloon, especially if the studio releases expansions and DLCs for STALKER 2, which isn’t out of the question. It appears that video game developers have yet to find a way to optimize file sizes and keep video games small, without compromising quality. If it’s any consolation, STALKER 2 is looking amazing. As a true next-gen exclusive with years of work put into it, STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl could help harness the power of the Xbox Series X in ways that games before it haven’t yet. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until April 28, 2022, to find out if STALKER 2 is worth investing in more storage space or not.
